James Bhandary-Alexander, the board’s co-chairman, contends a gradual increase in the state’s minimum wage will reduce poverty, put money in the pockets of low-wage workers and have no negative impact on job growth.

However, Andrew Markowski, Connecticut director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, calls the recommendation irresponsible. He says the state’s unemployment rate is abysmal and a higher minimum wage will make it worse.